All eyes on Crain as he faces live batters today

The reliever faces live batters for the first time since undergoing surgery on his shoulder last year.

By LA VELLE E. NEAL III, Star Tribune

Last update: February 23, 2008 - 11:37 PM

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TEAM NOTES

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FORT MYERS, FLA. - Twins righthander Jesse Crain's batting practice session today will be slightly more important that those of other pitchers in camp.

It will be Crain's first time facing live hitters since the reliever underwent surgery last season to repair rotator cuff and labrum damage. His rehabilitation has gone well, leaving Crain confident that he is ready to contribute.

But his progress this spring is vital to a Twins bullpen that could have a larger workload backing up a starting rotation that likely will have four starters no older than 26. The Twins already plan to break camp with a seven-man bullpen.

The issues for Crain: Will his pitches hit the low to mid 90s in miles per hour? Will his sinker be effective?

"It will be interesting to see how much progress I've made,'' Crain said.

Liriano a little later

The Twins are now targeting Wednesday for Francisco Liriano's first workout in Fort Myers, as the earliest he can pick up his visa is Monday, meaning the earliest he likely could travel from the Dominican Republic is Tuesday.

"I'm optimistic he'll be on the field Wednesday," Twins General Manager Bill Smith said.

Liriano has been working out at the team's Dominican academy. "He's not behind [the other pitchers] at all," Smith said.

Etc.

• Infielder Alexi Casilla flew in from the Dominican Republic on Friday and made Saturday's workout. His missed his visa appointment last week because of a family medical emergency but was able to have it rescheduled earlier than expected.

• The Twins have decided against having an intrasquad game Wednesday and will instead have a review day to go over things they've worked on in recent days.

Staff writer Joe Christensen contributed to this report.

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